DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to either Mortal Kombat, or Ultraman. Mortal Kombat belongs to Netherrealm Studios and Warner Bros Games. Ultraman belongs to Tsuburaya Productions.
Chapter 1: Gods, Champions and Monsters
"Having liberated the Hourglass and become Keeper of Time, my next task was to restart history. Not beholden to past events, I was free to craft a new era. It was with humility and restraint that I approached this blank canvas. After careful preparation, I began work. Painting over the darkness. After eons passed, I sketched out the realms. After eons more, I brushed them in with life. Different realms and different species were added, an idea that came to me from a new friend, Eiji Tsuburaya.
It was with his inspirations that I took creations of his own, and gave them new lives amongst mortals. Each creature, each being chosen a new role apart from their original monstrous counterparts. Some of course proved troublesome, but there were some that valued peace over violence. In my New Era, all beings will have the opportunity to find peace.
Whether or not they do, will be their responsibility. For my power only permits me to begin this endeavor. It is the duty of mortals to finish it, alongside the beings I brought into the realms. And hopefully, they too will show that peace can be won, even through most difficult circumstances. No matter how big, or how small."
Ultra Galaxy: Kombat Chronicles
My Kaiju & Alien Cast:
Gomora voiced by Scott McNeil
Litra voiced by Mae Whitman
Eleking voiced by Erica Lindbeck
Redking voiced by Patrick Seitz
Tyrant voiced by Arrt Butler
Blackking voiced by Keith David
Mephilas voiced by Robin Atkin Downes
Lunaticks voiced by Emi Lo
Silvergon voiced by Steve Blum
Goldras voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson
Etc. (Until I figure out more.)
(Outworld)
Within an Outworld canton, a group of people were gathered around a caravan that had a suspicious snake symbol carved into it as an elderly old man approached. "My friends, your patience is about to be rewarded. For I have saved the best for last." He announced as the villagers watched him. "I have discovered a cure-all of unrivaled potency. It will soon be on the shelves in every home of Outworld. This elixir is crafted from an ancient recipe. It has Pateon flowers. Margovian nectar. Powered teeth of an Arctikan dragon. All this and more, infused with powerful Lekorian magic." He informed them of the ingredients as the villagers murmured amongst themselves. "There is a village, in the next canton over, where everyone has purchased this miracle cure. Overnight, all diseases, even Tarkat, have disappeared." He pulled up a bottle for them to examine. "Now magic this potent is expensive. And I am sure you're asking yourselves: can I afford it? But the true question you must ask is: can I afford to be without it?" He asked them the question they were wondering as he stepped forward, revealing himself as Shang Tsung as he smirked confidently.
That was until his mood changed to an unforeseen circumstance. "You lie, Shang Tsung! Your cures are useless!" A voice called out as Shang Tsung looked out curiously, the villagers stepped aside seeing a man stepping towards the so-called sorcerer.
He immediately recognized him as the grieving father whose daughter was ill. He knew by the fathers expression, he was pissed. He forced a smile to try and play it cool. "I'm sorry. You are?" He asked, trying to act confused.
"Someone fool enough to have believed you." He answered as he tried to contain his anger. "My daughter was dying when you came to my farm. You promised a miracle and I gave you all I had. But only days later… she was dead." He informed him as the villagers gasped in shock.
But Shang Tsung laughed softly, trying to hide his fear. "That is impossible. My magic could not have failed her." He told him.
This only unleashed the grieving fathers rage upon him. "THERE WAS NO MAGIC! I took your elixir to an imperial mage, and you know what she said?" He snatched the bottle from the false sorcerer's hand and smashed it on the ground. "It's nothing! Just borjang tea!" He yelled at him as he gripped his fists.
And Shang Tsung was in deep shit as he stammered a bit. "The mage is mistaken, kind sir. My elixirs are of superior quality." He tried to convince him as he backed up into his wagon. "Their efficacy is guaranteed." He tried to assure him, but the grieving father grabbed him as he threw him down to the ground. The entire crowd grew angry as Shang Tsung watched and panicked as they gathered around him, beating him to a senseless pulp.
Later that evening… Shang Tsung managed to get his caravan away from the village, he stepped out of the wagon and sat down on the steps as he opened a makeup kit and looked in the mirror, seeing his reflection as he sighed and reached to his face. He took off a wig, the fake beard, and the latex facial mask that covered his young face. He stared at himself, wondering why this happened to him. His answers were about to be revealed. "It is an excellent ruse, your disguise." Said a voice as he looked to see two figures standing before him.
"Backwater folk are far more likely to trust a kindly old man." Said another being as he stood beside her. "You could benefit more if you possessed REAL sorcery." He told him.
This caused Shang Tsung to scoff at them for it. "Here on behalf of a dissatisfied customer?" He asked them as he lightly chuckled. "If it's revenge you want, have at it. If it's restitution… there's nothing left." He informed them as he turned away from them.
"What we want, Shang Tsung, is to elevate you. To make you the great sorcerer that now you can only pretend to be." The Mysterious Woman said to him.
This made Shang Tsung look at her curiously as he remained seated. "A generous offer. Why me?" He asked her as her companion stepped up.
"You are uniquely resilient. Who else could eke out a living traveling Outworld's hinterlands, selling quake cures and fake magic?" He asked him as Shang stood up and let out a small chuckle.
"A living? It is barely survival." He told them as the woman stepped towards him.
"And you were meant for more." She told him as he looked at her curiously. "To live among kings, not peasants. But since before you were born, you have been conspired against. By those who fear how formidable you could become." She informed him.
(Cue Music: Huns Survive The Avalanche Theme from Mulan 1998)
His curiosity piqued even more as he looked at her. "How do you know this? Who are you?" He asked as the woman's associate, Mephilas, grinned as he looked to see a group of creatures approached, one being a red skinned barbarian with thick bumpy scales, a skull-like face with long saber teeth and a thick tail. His armor consisted of leather with a skull on his left shoulder and a fur loincloth, this was Redking.
The next was a silver armored warrior with horns along his head that curved like a rams, spikes running along his back and tail as he had a horn atop of his head, This was Silvergon.
The third party was a golden armored warrior that had almost an Egyptian aesthetic to his design, covered in thick gold armor, greenish skin and wore a helmet that had two horns atop his head and a nasal horn pointing out and his tail smacked the ground, this was Goldras.
The fourth party member was a warrior that had a mix of different types of armors (Hard to describe Tyrant for this, trust me.) He held a spiked mace and a sharp scythe in his hand as he grinned malefically, this was Tyrant.
Shang Tsung looked through them as he was surprised by their appearances, while the woman looked at him with a grin. "We are your deliverer, Shang Tsung. Join us and we will put the realms at your feet." She offered as Shang Tsung stared at them intently, till an evil malefic grin formed over his face, as he was motivated by the offer.
(Earthrealm)
In Earthrealm, at the Wu Shi Academy, a warrior trained in the courtyard as he practiced the fighting stances of all he had been taught. His appearance was unique, he had a large masculine build, bumpy scales along his torso, a long thick tail, a horn crest along his head with one horn sticking out of his forehead, and elbow spikes to add to his fierce appearance. This was Gomora, a fierce warrior that was focusing on his calm demeanor as he went through all the fighting stances he was taught.
Suddenly, six shaolin monks surrounded him as he opened his eyes and saw them. Judging by their expressions, they were targeting him because of how different he was. He let out a snort as he saw one of the monks charge at him and attack. He deflected his punches and hit the monk with a few punches and kicked him away as another rushed at him from behind, he swung his tail and smacked him across the face, knocking him down as he blocked the staff of another monk that tried to attack him without warning.
He growled as he took the staff and snapped it in half as he blocked the monk's attacks and wrapped his tail around his neck and threw him away, slamming him into two of the other monks. One remained as he was trembling from seeing Gomora's immense strength as he towered over him, growling intensely as he leaned over the monk. "Got anything to offer, monk?" He asked him as the monk immediately ran away in terror.
A snort was let out from Gomora as he growled softly as he turned to see Liu Kang, Earthrealm's protector, approach him from where he stood. "Your skills have improved since you came here, Gomora." He told him.
The Kaiju Warrior bowed to him respectfully and stood up looking at him. "Thank you, Lord Liu Kang. But it seems I'm still not quite welcome amongst the other monks." He pointed out towards them as the monks ran off in fear.
"Sadly, not even they are immune to prejudice. But you are still a great warrior, Gomora. And you will always be welcome amongst those who respect you for who you are, not what you look like." Liu Kang said to him with an assured smile.
"I appreciate it, Liu Kang. But something tells me this isn't a social visit." Gomora cleverly observed with his arms crossed.
"Very observant, Gomora. The time draws near for the grand martial arts tournament with Outworld." He informed him.
"And if I have to guess, you're going to gather champions." The Kaiju Warrior surmised as he looked at the fire god. "Any particular choices?" He asked him.
"Some. Two are nearby in Fengjian, one or two are in America." He informed him as he focused his power to open a fiery portal for them to step through. "I hope you're prepared for the outside world, Gomora." He told him as he whipped up a disguise on the slide.
He let out a snort as he stepped towards the portal. "Let's get this over with." He announced as he stepped into the portal with the fire god, while Liu Kang let out a small chuckle as he followed him through the portal.
Within Fengjian province, two boys were working in the fields to tend the harvest. Plowing the field as they worked hard under the hot sun. One was a boy named Raiden, who took great pride in his work as he let out a contented sigh. "This is a good harvest, Kung Lao." He complimented their hard work.
His friend Kung Lao however, was not as enthusiastic about it, he was more annoyed. "Yes… mmmph… it is a blessing, Raiden." He said, but was still showing that he was not satisfied with his life as a farmer.
A scoff came from Raiden as he looked at him. "You would rather we starve?" He asked him.
"No, no. Of course not. But we've worked these fields since we were kids. In forty years we'll still be here, stooped and feeble like old man Wei." Kung Lao pointed towards the elderly man who looked at him with disgust and spat at him for it.
This made Kung Lao wave awkwardly as Raiden chuckled at him. "As long as I've known you, you've dreamed of leaving Fengjian. Why can't you be happy here?" He asked him as he continued his work.
"Our ancestors fought in great wars. They died with honor and glory. Stories of our great adventures… hah… will be passed down for generations." Kung Lao said with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.
Raiden merely shook his head as he continued his work. "It may not be glorious, but what we do helps the village thrive." He told him.
"I know. But is it so wrong to want some excitement?" His friend asked him.
This brought a smirk across Raiden's face as he looked at him. "If that's what you want, may I suggest a bet? Dinner at Madam Bo's, tonight. Last to fill their cart pays. Either that, or you can take my sister out for a dinner date." He suggested, much to Kung Lao's dismay, upon hearing it.
"Me and your sister? Fat chance. Also, you work faster than me? Ha! Since when? You're on, Raiden." He told him as the two shook hands and got to work on the harvest, working hard and fast to try and beat each other.
While at a distance, Liu Kang and Gomora watched intently as the Kaiju Warrior smirked upon seeing them go through the challenge. "So, these are the two warriors you chose?" He asked him.
"That's right." Liu Kang replied.
"They're still young, are you sure they're up for it?" Gomora asked curiously.
"There is more to them than you can imagine, my friend. Now, what say we head to Madam Bo's before they do…?" He suggested.
"Sounds good to me." Gomora said as he felt hungry.
"But first… You'll need this." Liu Kang took a shroud and put it over him. "Not everyone is ready to see you as you are." He told him.
This made Gomora snort in annoyance, wishing he could become human. Easier said than done. "Fine… but I'm not going for vegan food." He told him as he walked off with the fire god, causing him to laugh in amusement.
After Raiden and Kung Lao completed their work, they made their way to the market to deliver their load of veggies so they could earn their hard work pay. Once delivered, the two farmboys head to Madam Bo's and enter the restaurant, taking in the smell of food in the air. "That. Is. Amazing." Kung Lao chuckled while patting Raiden's shoulder.
"I'm starving. I wonder what Madam Bo is making tonight." Raiden wondered as an elderly woman approached them, revealing herself as Madam Bo.
"For you two? Whatever you want." She told them as she led them to their table.
"Thank you, Madam Bo. You spoil us." Kung Lao expressed this to her.
This made her smile upon hearing it as she walked with them. "Like the sons I never had." She told them as she gestured to them to take a seat, they did so as she brought up with one important question. "Have you two been practicing my lessons?" She asked them.
"As we can. The harvest leaves us little time for martial arts." Kung Lao informed her.
"Since your first words, Kung Lao…" Madam Bo smacked him on the head. "You've mouthed nothing but excuses. If you fail to prepare…" She waited for him to finish the verse.
"Your preparations will fail you." He finished for her as he sighed.
"Good. You haven't forgotten." She was about to walk away, but she turned back towards him with a firm expression. "But we'll see if I make you anything special tonight." She told him as she walked off to the kitchen.
An exhale came from Raiden as he watched her go. "I'm glad you're paying. Madam Bo might just pad the bill with her anger." He told his friend as Kung Lao looked at him surprised.
"I am paying? You finished work last." He reminded him.
"But I delivered my cart first." Raiden returned the reminder.
"Delivered? Huh?!" Kung Lao asked in surprise as he further reminded Raiden of what the bet was. "The bet was "filled"." He reminded him.
"That's not what I remember." Raiden denied it as he drank his tea.
A playful smirk formed over Kung Lao's face as he put his foot down. "So that's how it is, eh? What do you say we settle this man to man? Hmm?" He suggested as he and Raiden walked from their table, earning surprised looks from onlookers within the restaurant.
Gomora sat at a table with Liu Kang as he watched them. "There they go." He muttered as he looked at the fire god. "Dinner and a show, this day just keeps getting better." He commented as he ate a steam bun.
"Wait until you see their skills." Liu Kang replied as he watched the two friends walk together.
Raiden meanwhile was laughing in disbelief, till he quickly realized. "Wait. You mean fight?" He asked.
"Yes. Right here. Right now. Madam Bo can watch, critique our form." Kung Lao told him as they walked to an open space in the restaurant.
"Best two out of three?" Raiden asked.
"Fair enough." Kung Lao replied feeling confident.
"We must be careful. Madam Bo will kick us out if we break something." Raiden told him as he was worried about the appliances inside the restaurant.
But a laugh came from Kung Lao when he heard it. "This won't last long enough for that to happen. You will be down in no time." He told him as he and Raiden took on their fighting stances. The two started fighting each other as they deflected each other's attacks and tried to overpower one another.
Gomora watched as Raiden deflected Kung Lao's punches and kicks as he landed a few good hits against him, showing speed and skill against him as he kicked at his ankles, tripping him over as Kung Lao fell to the floor. The Kaiju Warrior watched as Kung Lao stood up with a cocky grin and attacked with lethal blows against Raiden, rapidly jabbing at his torso and knocking him down as Raiden rolled back and landed on his feet as he held his torso. Kung Lao went for another attack as Raiden narrowly avoided it and smacked him against his ears, stunning him to the point he could hear a ringing sound in his ears.
Kung Lao groaned from it as he rubbed his ears from it and glared at Raiden as he thrust a few kicks against him. Raiden did his best to deflect each kick, only to get kicked hard in the face as he stumbled back while Kung Lao lunged at him and went to strike him. This caused Raiden to quickly roll away from him as his friend punched a hole in the floor. "Hey! Careful with the flooring! I just had it replaced!" Madam Bo yelled.
"Sorry Madam Bo!" Kung Lao apologized only to get punched by Raiden as he stumbled back. He regained his composure as he deflected and parried Raiden's attacks, trying to outlast him as they fought fiercely in the restaurant.
Watching from the sidelines, Gomora ate another steam bun and swallowed it whole. "These two aren't bad. Kung Lao seems pretty cocky though." He admitted as he watched the two warriors fight each other.
"Yes, skillful though he may be, his ancestor, the Great Kung Lao would take pride in him." He told him as he watched the fight between the two boys as they were overpowering one another to try and win.
"If the Great Kung Lao could see him now, he'd see how much of a prideful little shit his descendent has become." Gomora mocked the descendent for how cocky he is, he went to grab the last steam bun but felt that it wasn't there as he looked to see Liu Kang eating it in spite of his harsh words. "Very funny, fire god." He scowled as Liu Kang chuckled and ate the bun as he watched Raiden and Kung Lao fight.
Raiden deflected his attacks as he went to strike him, but Kung Lao parried his punches and landed a few elbow strikes against him to knock him back and put him in a headlock. He pounded his fist against Raiden's head, concussing him to the point he couldn't fight. He threw Raiden down as he hit the floor, Raiden groaned as he remained kneeling on the floor while everyone in the restaurant cheered for him as he bowed to them and helped Raiden stand. "You haven't beaten me yet." He told him.
"The day is coming, Kung Lao." He assured him.
This only made Kung Lao laugh when he heard it. "Keep telling yourself that." He told him as he walked with him back to their table, while Gomora and Liu Kang watched them from their table.
"He certainly has skill, but lacks discipline." Gomora observed.
"But Raiden possesses skill and wisdom. Something you could hope to learn from." Liu Kang replied as he chuckled and saw Madam Bo give them new serving's of steam buns and peking duck. "Thank you Madam Bo." He expressed his gratitude.
"You're welcome, Lord Liu Kang. So, what do you think of my students?" She asked him.
"They fight well, against each other. But I think it's time they faced a stronger adversary." Liu Kang suggested.
This made Madam Bo smirk as she looked towards Gomora. "Like our oversized friend here?" She pointed to him as she winked playfully towards him, much to Gomora's disapproval.
"I was actually suggesting the Lin Kuei. Afterall, they need a challenge." Liu Kang referred to the future shaolin monks.
"I'll get them here immediately." She told him as she walked away, while Gomora looked towards Liu Kang with a disapproving look.
"Was she flirting with me?" He asked him as Liu Kang chuckled and shrugged his shoulders in response.
Later that night… Raiden and Kung Lao had their fill of food, while their dishes were stacked together and Raiden was staring at the bill to see how much they needed to pay for how much food they ordered. He looked at Kung Lao whose belly was bloated. "You were hungry." He said with a sigh, while his friend let out a burp as he groaned from it. Raiden looked up and saw Madam Bo approach. "Everything was delicious, Madam Bo." He complimented her cooking.
"Thank you, Raiden. You boys are always a pleasure to cook for." She told him as she extended her hand to receive the money for the food they ate. Raiden handed her bill after bill, till suddenly a breeze pulled one of his bills out of his hand and flew through the restaurant till it was caught by a ninja named Tomas Vrbada, more commonly known as Smoke.
He held the bill in his hand and looked up to her, ignoring the other guests. "Madam Bo. The Lin Kuei await your answer." He informed her as other Lin Kuei members stepped up behind him as he stepped towards the elderly woman.
"I have been busy, Smoke." She informed him as she walked away while he followed her.
Meanwhile, Raiden and Kung Lao watched as they were concerned about the situation. "The Lin Kuei? Who are they?" Raiden asked.
"Don't know. But I don't like where this is going." Kung Lao said as he felt tense about the situation.
"What do we do?" Raiden asked him.
"Stay ready." Kung Lao suggested as Raiden nodded his head in response.
Meanwhile, Smoke continued to follow Madam Bo to collect the payment he needed. "Madam Bo, it is a simple choice. Pay for our protection, or risk harm to this fine establishment." He laid down her options.
To which she gladly responded abruptly. "You'll get nothing from me." She told him.
"That, Madam Bo, is unfortunate." Smoke told her as he looked towards his fellow Lin Kuei members, nodding his head as they started trashing the restaurant. They even met some resistance from some of the customers who fought back as Smoke turned to Madam Bo, who immediately gave him a sucker punch to the face as she attacked him relentlessly.
He blocked her attacks as he smacked her in the face and slammed her head against the railing, he soon threw her over as she screamed and fell to a table down below. This shocked her students when they saw it. "Madam Bo!" Kung Lao cried out as he and Raiden ran out to confront Smoke, who threw a smoke bomb as his Lin Kuei warriors charged at the two who defended themselves from their attacks.
Kung Lao kicked one in the head as Raiden struck one in the face a few times as the two took down the two remaining Lin Kuei members and charged at Smoke, only to get caught in a cloud of smoke as they coughed harshly from it. Smoke struck them down as they fell to the floor as he walked towards them. "You two are brave. But against us… you are in over your head." He warned them.
But this didn't intimidate Kung Lao as he got up and stood his ground. "We don't care who you are or who you are with! You will not menace Madam Bo!" He yelled while Smoke pulled out his mothers hunting knife and stood ready as Kung Lao went to strike him, the vapor ninja blocked and parried his attacks as they exchanged blows against each other. Raiden attempted to help, only to get grabbed by a Lin Kuei member and pulled back as he struggled.
He elbowed him against his sides and threw him over, slamming him on the floor as he struck at the other Lin Kuei warriors that came at him, forcing him to prepare himself as they went to attack him. He struck them down one by one, landed swift strikes against them as he slid kicks against them and struck one against his face.
Meanwhile, Kung Lao narrowly avoided Smoke's slashes from his hunting knife as he slashed at his legs. Kung Lao raised his legs each time Smoke went for his legs as he quickly stepped on the blade and pinned it on the floor. "Hah!" He cheered, only to see a smoke bomb get set down as Smoke rolled away, shocking Kung Lao as his arms slumped. "Oh no…" He muttered as the bomb combusted, launching him into the air as he screamed and Smoke leapt towards him, knocking him back down to the floor.
Smoke let out a chuckle as he twirled his hunters knife, and went to strike him while he was down, only for Kung Lao to flip back and kick him in the facemask as Smoke let out a painful grunt and stumble back as the future shaolin monk charged at him and leapt, landing a few kicks in his chest and knocked him down. He crashed against a few chairs as he shook his head and glared at Kung Lao, who gestured to him to come at him. Smoke vanished through smoke as he appeared behind him, sliding across the ground and went to trip him over.
Kung Lao quickly flipped backwards to avoid it as he grabbed Smoke by the back of his collar and threw him over, Smoke landed and rolled across the ground as he groaned in pain and shook his head. He was far from done as he yelled and charged at him. Meanwhile, Raiden got knocked away by a Lin Kuei warrior who attempted to beat him while he was down, but before he could, a clawed hand grabbed his as the Lin Kuei warrior looked to see Gomora, who growled through his shroud and threw him away as he crashed against a post and hit the floor.
Raiden looked up to him surprised, not by his immense strength, but by his incredible size as Gomora extended his hand to him. "Thanks for the save." Raiden said to him and took his hand and stood up with his help.
"Don't think it's over yet, kid. There's more." Gomora pointed behind him as Raiden turned sharp and quickly kicked him in the head as he fought alongside Gomora, who kept his appearance hidden under his shroud as he fought against the Lin Kuei. While Kung Lao was holding his own against Smoke, he blocked and parried his attacks till he grabbed him by his wrist and knocked his hunters knife out of his hand as it pierced into a nearby chair.
He landed a strong punch against him along with a hard kick to his jaw, knocking him in the air as he jabbed at him when he came back down. He rapidly punched Smoke against his torso and slammed his palm across his chest, knocking him down to the floor and knocking him out. He stood up to catch his breath as he looked at Smoke. "Now who's in over his head?" He asked him as he turned to see Raiden still fighting beside Gomora as the two managed to knock out the last remaining Lin Kuei warriors as Kung Lao caught the one Raiden knocked out and set him down. "This was you?" He asked him.
"Honestly, I'm surprised too." Raiden admitted as he looked towards Gomora. "I would have been taken out if it weren't for him." He pointed out as Gomora looked towards them.
"And who are you?" Kung Lao asked curiously.
"Not important. What's important right now is tending the injured." Gomora reminded them.
"Right. Come on. Let's help Madam Bo." Kung Lao suggested as the three were about to head downstairs, till Gomora quickly stopped them and pointed up, seeing a blue ninja above them. This was Bi Han, otherwise known as Sub-Zero. He formed a ball of ice and launched it at them, they quickly dodged it as it hit the floor behind them.
They looked towards Sub-Zero till they immediately noticed a yellow ninja walking in, twirling his rope spear as he glared at them. This was Kuai Liang, otherwise known now as Scorpion. Meanwhile, Sub-Zero charged another ice ball. "Freeze where you stand!" He launched it at them as Gomora quickly got in the way and shielded the shaolin warriors as his shroud froze solid, he let out a growl as his breath could be seen.
He snarled and broke the frozen shroud into a thousand pieces, revealing his true form as he growled at Sub-Zero. "What the hell?!" Kung Lao asked in shock.
"Surprisingly, I'm shocked too. But… how does he do that?" Raiden gestured to Sub-Zero about his ice powers.
"I have no idea, I'm more concerned about the horn head over here." Kung Lao pointed to Gomora, who scowled at him in response.
"You three interfere with Lin Kuei business. Leave, or face our wrath." Sub-Zero warned them.
This did not sit well with Kung Lao as he scowled at him. "Abandon Madam Bo? Not happening." He refused to heed Sub-Zero's warning, till the ice ninja lunged and tackled Raiden down the staircase.
Kung Lao and Gomora were about to help, but Scorpion snared Kung Lao's leg before he could help his friend. The two struggled with each other as Kung Lao tried to hold his ground, but Scorpion angrily pulled on the rope. "GET OVER HERE!" He yelled as he dragged him across the floor.
Gomora reached to him with his tail and got Kung Lao onto his feet, allowing him to flip forward and kick Scorpion in the face as he stumbled back from the unexpected attack. He shook his head as Kung Lao approached him. "Want more? I have plenty." He told him while patting his own chest.
"You should have fled when you could. Prepare to regret ever crossing the Lin Kuei." Scorpion wanted him as he took his kusarigama and slashed at him with it, while Gomora used his tail to knock it out of his hand as he struck him with an uppercut motion towards him. Scorpion avoided it as he blocked and parried both attacks from the duo. He teleported through fire and appeared behind Kung Lao as he kicked him hard in the back and kicked Gomora in his stomach as he let out a shriek.
He went for another strike towards Gomora, who quickly blocked his attacks as he was fortunate to have thick skin and he hit Scorpion a few times with a few good punches as he landed a hard elbow strike as he kicked him in his stomach, making Scorpion groan as he shook off the pain as he circled Gomora, who growled as he watched him. "Sizing me up?" He asked him as he let out a snort.
"I've never encountered anything like you. But size and strength alone won't stop me." Scorpion declared as Kung Lao rushed to attack him, causing Scorpion to block and deflect his attacks as he landed a few punches against him, resulting in Kung Lao retaliating as he kicked him against his knee and punch him in the face as Gomora wrapped his arms around Scorpion from behind and suplexed him, slamming him against the floor as the fire ninja rolled away and rubbed his neck from it.
He saw Gomora charging at him in an attempt to stomp him while he was down, he rolled away from him and threw his rope spear at him, only to see it get snared by Gomora's tail as he tugged on the rope and dragged Scorpion close as he struggled. Kung Lao grabbed the rope and pulled him over as he kicked him a few times across his head and uppercuts him in the jaw. This caused Scorpion to back up from the attack as he shook his head, while Gomora went to tackle him. Scorpion retaliated by throwing a high kick and landed it against his face.
The Kaiju Warrior stumbled a bit as he shook his head as Scorpion landed a few more punches against his face, stunning him to keep him dazed. But once he was going to hit him again, Gomora managed to catch his fist as he growled at him. Causing Scorpion's eyes to widen as Gomora snarled and backhanded him across the face as the fire ninja stumbled towards Kung Lao, who landed a few good hits against him.
The situation was indeed dire for Scorpion as he blocked the next attack and landed a fiery kick against Kung Lao and Gomora to get them both to back off as he took his kusarigama and swung it at them along his rope, slashing at them as they narrowly avoided it. Kung Lao rolled away from it as Gomora snarled and blasted through the floor with his oscillatory wave and landed on the ground below. Scorpion looked through and saw he was gone. Gomora soon broke through the floor behind him as he grabbed Scorpion and threw him hard towards the railing and Kung Lao landed a hard punch against his face, smacking him in the face as he knocked Scorpion out as he fell to the floor.
Kung Lao let out an exhale as he walked up to the fire ninja. "It is you who will regret crossing me." He told him as he looked towards Gomora. "That's some strength you got." He told him.
"And you got cocky when fighting against a foe you never faced. You need more discipline and restraint if you're going to be in a real fight." Gomora told him as Kung Lao raised his arms up in disbelief, before he could argue, he heard the fight between Raiden and Sub-Zero and rushed with Gomora to the railing and saw Raiden trying to hold his own against Sub-Zero. He tried kicking him, only to get smacked in the face and kicked in the stomach as he crashed against a post.
He looked up to it and quickly climbed up to get away, but Sub-Zero was hot on his heels as he propelled himself off a table and kicked Raiden towards a customer who was literally not focused on the fight as he held his drink. Raiden took a meat cleaver and tried to slash at Sub-Zero, who avoided his attacks as Raiden sliced open the bottle as the old man poured himself a drink as Raiden attempted to slash at Sub-Zero again.
He dodged it as the meat cleaver got stuck in the counter, and he quickly froze Raiden down to keep him from trying to attack him. Raiden struggled to get free as the old man took a chunk of ice from his frozen arms and put it in his drink, while Raiden tried to kick Sub-Zero, who backed away to leave Raiden in his predicament. Kung Lao meanwhile shot a glare at the ice ninja and threw his hat at his head, only for it to simply bounce off and cause Sub-Zero to groan and look at him with an annoyed look. Gomora of course shot a similar look, believing Kung Lao made a stupid decision as the young warrior shrugged his shoulders. "Incompetent." Sub-Zero said to him, feeling annoyed.
It was then that Kung Lao noticed a chakram on the wall, he took it and threw it at Sub-Zero, managing to slash his arm as Raiden ducked from it and it pierced into the wall. "Ho! That works." He cheered as Sub-Zero glared at him for it.
"I have had enough of you." He declared as Kung Lao was about to fight him.
But Gomora got between them as he growled at him. "Then go, before I put you down like the rest of your Lin Kuei." He warned him as he looked towards Kung Lao. "Go help Raiden." He ordered as Kung Lao nodded and rushed to help Raiden as Gomora was left to face the grandmaster. "You are prideful, more so than the boy." He told him.
"And you are too dangerous to be left alive. You haven't a prayer against the Lin Kuei's grandmaster." He warned him as Sub-Zero shot icicles at him, Gomora shielded himself from the shards as they shattered against his thick skin. He snarled as he charged towards him, Sub-Zero slides toward him on ice as he formed a pair of ice daggers and slashed at him, but the strikes barely left a scratch as Gomora managed to land a few strikes against him as Sub-Zero let out a painful grunt, but wasn't going to relent as he shot an iceball at his feet, freezing them solid against the floor.
This left Gomora struggling as Sub-Zero formed a morningstar out of ice and struck him a few times against his face, causing him to grunt as he only grew angrier from Sub-Zero's assault. The ice ninja went to strike him again, causing Gomora to punch against the morningstar, shattering it as he broke one leg free and kicked him hard in the chest. This caused some of Sub-Zero's ribs to crack from the impact.
As the two fought, Kung Lao was helping Raiden get out of the ice as he tried to avoid hurting him because of the frostbite. "He's certainly holding his own against him." Raiden said as he struggled to get out of the ice.
"Don't you mean "it"?" Kung Lao asked as he took a rolling pin and carefully broke the ice.
"He helped us this far, Kung Lao." Raiden replied as he finally got free. "Now help him, I'm gonna check on Madam Bo." He told him as Kung Lao nodded and he ran to help Gomora, he was certainly holding his own, but the ice ninja moved faster to try and overpower him. With his thick skin, he was able to block and parry the next few attacks as Kung Lao rushed up and grabbed his arm and smacked him across the face as he pulled Sub-Zero away from Gomora and kicked him in his side.
While Gomora took the chance to recover from the barrage, he let out an exhale as his injuries slowly healed up. His eyes snapped open as he growled seeing Sub-Zero blocking Kung Lao's attacks and attempted to freeze him solid. Gomora's horn crest burned with fiery rage as he unleashed his oscillatory wave and blasted him in the shoulder, burning him as Sub-Zero let out a painful scream from the blast as he rolled across the floor.
Kung Lao was surprised as Gomora approached and used his tail to lift him up by his collar and set him on his feet. "Next you want to help, kid. Do yourself a favor, don't act on brash impulses." He told him as Sub-Zero got back up, holding his shoulder from the blast as he growled angrily. "I know this first hand, that anger can consume you. But it can be used as a weapon." He informed him as Sub-Zero charged at them, causing Gomora to block and parry his attacks as he slammed his palm against his stomach, causing him to cough harshly.
This gave Kung Lao an opening as he thrust his leg and kicked him into the air as he landed a few punches against the ice ninja, while Gomora used his tail to snare Kung Lao by his waist and threw him hard towards Sub-Zero as Kung Lao slammed a kick against his stomach and sent him crashing down to the floor as he fell unconscious from the attack. Kung Lao landed on the floor as he looked at Sub-Zero and his fellow Lin Kuei. "Are you sure you're a grandmaster?" He asked him as he turned to see Gomora approaching. "Thanks for the assist… I owe ya one." He told him only to get smacked in the face by his tail. "OW! Hey!" He exclaimed.
"Be thankful this was only a temporary alliance. Because I have no time for an arrogant child who thinks of nothing but his pride." He told him as he let out a snort towards him.
This made Kung Lao scowl at him for it as he pushed against his horn along his forehead to get him away. "And I don't recall asking for your help before. I only chose to help you now, because Raiden asked me to." He informed him as he walked to his hat and picked it up and saw the bend at the rim, he put it on and looked at the chakram he threw as it was giving him several ideas. "Interesting." He muttered while Gomora let out a low growl upon noticing it.
"Kung Lao, over here!" Raiden called to him as he and Gomora rushed to the railing and saw him tending to Madam Bo.
The two rushed down the steps and reached them as Kung Lao observed the seemingly lifeless woman. "Madam Bo." He said worriedly.
"She's out cold." Raiden informed him.
This made Kung Lao panic. "Oh no. Is she–"
"Dead?" Madam Bo asked as she shocked the boys. "Not yet." She told them as she got up and pulled out a cigarette and lighter.
The boys watched as she lit the cigarette and took a puff from it and exhaled. "Madam Bo, how are you–" Kung Lao tried to ask.
"Kung Lao!" He pointed up as Gomora looked to see Liu Kang approaching as the fire god stepped down the stairs and pulled off his hood.
He smiled as he approached them. "So, Madam Bo, are they ready?" He asked her.
"A bit thick in the head, perhaps… But they are ready." She told him.
"More or less." Gomora commented with his arms crossed.
Raiden meanwhile was staring at Liu Kang's eyes, feeling curious as he whispered. "His eyes are glowing." He said to Kung Lao.
"I am Lord Liu Kang, God of Fire and Protector of Earthrealm." He introduced himself with his arms crossed.
This made Kung Lao curious when he heard it. "God? Earthrealm?" He asked.
"Madam Bo has been preparing you for this moment since you were boys. Gomora here was tasked to be your guardian." Liu Kang explained, much to Gomora's dismay in regards to Kung Lao. "Today you have proven worthy of joining my champions." He told them.
"This fight was – a test?" Raiden asked.
"Of your ability and character, yes." The fire god answered.
"And don't think for a second that I'll be going easy on you in later days." Gomora informed them.
While Liu Kang looked towards the Lin Kuei warriors. "Bi Han, Kuai Liang." He called to them as the Lin Kuei warriors awoke from their fake slumber as the grandmaster and Scorpion stepped down towards them, surprising the junior monks.
"So these two aren't thugs?" Kung Lao asked in surprise.
"The Lin Kuei is a centuries-old clan dedicated to Earthrealm's defense." Liu Kang explained.
"You keep saying Earthrealm. Don't you mean Earth?" Raiden asked curiously.
A chuckle came out of Gomora as he gained Raiden's attention. "You boys have so much to learn." He told them.
"Earth is only part of Earthrealm. Earthrealm itself is one of many realms. Together they comprise the whole of the universe." Liu Kang explained to them about the realms.
"The realms can be fierce, bitter rivals. That's why we need champions to defend ours." Madam Bo explained the reason behind their training.
"The time draws near for the grand martial arts tournament between Earthrealm and the realm of Outworld. Held once each century, it allows each realm to demonstrate its strength. While our realms are at peace, there are Outworlders who would prefer us to be at war. Our victory in the tournament will… temper their zeal." Liu Kang explained.
"And what realm is Scalebelly over here from?" Kung Lao gestured to Gomora, who growled in response.
"You would be wise to refrain from calling me that, you little hairless mammal." He told him as he and Kung Lao growled at each other.
"Easy, Gomora. He was only curious." Madam Bo told him as he pushed him back, while also secretly cupping a feel of his pecks.
Which he definitely pulled away from as he crossed his arms. "I'm of Earthrealm, once an ancient species of Dinosaur, and now a warrior dedicated to its defense." He informed him as he looked towards Raiden. "And now you two have been chosen to fight." He told them.
"I've taught you everything I can. You must finish your training with Lord Liu Kang." Madam Bo instructed them.
"More training?" Kung Lao asked in disbelief as he pointed to the Lin Kuei. "These two couldn't defeat us." He declared as Sub-Zero let out a scoff, and Madam Bo chuckled. "What?" He asked her curiously.
"They were pulling their punches." She told him, much to his surprise.
"Had we not held back, you would not have survived." Sub-Zero warned him as Gomora let out a growl towards him, making him back off.
Extending his hand to Gomora's shoulder, to calm him down before he could do anymore damage as he looked towards the two junior monks. "Come. The monks at the Wu Shi Academy await to continue your tutelage." He told them as Kung Lao eagerly stepped up.
"I am ready, Lord Liu Kang." He said with confidence.
While Liu Kang looked towards Raiden who was quiet. "And you, Raiden?" He asked him.
Raiden was left in his thoughts till he looked at them. "Leave Fengjian? I'm needed here." He told them as Madam Bo touched his shoulder.
"Earthrealm needs you, Raiden. You'll best serve the village by being one of its champions." She advised him.
Raiden was reluctant at first, but looked up to them determined. "I understand." He replied.
"Excellent. I will join you soon. First, there are other champions I must gather." Liu Kang informed them as he looked towards Gomora. "Ensure that they get settled in at the academy." He told them as he opened a portal for them.
"Just don't expect things to be peaceful when you arrive." Gomora said as he looked towards Raiden. "After you, kid." He gestures to the portal as Raiden steps in first.
Gomora followed after him as Kung Lao was about to step into the portal, but his attention soon turned to Smoke who stepped up. He immediately pointed at him to express something. "Just so you know, you weren't the most convincing thug." He told him.
But this made Smoke chuckle in amusement, "Don't lie Kung Lao, you were spooked." He told him as Scorpion shook his head at them, while Sub-Zero rolled his eyes.
Gomora soon reached through the portal and grabbed Kung Lao before he could argue further. "Come on, rookie." He ordered as he dragged him into the portal as it closed behind him, while Liu Kang prepared to leave for L.A.
In Los Angeles, after filming his latest film, Temple of Kataravala. Johnny Cage, the international action star, had a really awkward conversation with Steve, who suggested he'd get a call from Marsha, which left Johnny in an awkward state as he walked away. "Great! Have your assistant call me." He muttered as he rubbed his neck, while his wife, Cris, stepped up behind him.
"That was great, hon." She complimented his work as he turned towards her and smiled.
"Wasn't it though? We need to celebrate. I'm thinking "private part"." He suggested as he attempted to kiss her.
"Johnny…" She immediately stopped him, which surprised him, if not shocked. "We need to talk." She told him as she walked away, and judging by her tone? It wasn't good, even for Johnny. He followed after her, not knowing that someone was hiding in the shadows above the set. This was Litra, she was a humanoid bird, one could mistake her for an angel that watched them go as she spread her wings and flew off to follow them.
When they reached their mansion, the conversation was not going well. "You're not the martial arts mega-star you once were, honey. You're lucky Steven owed you a favor." She reminded him of their current situation while Johnny was having a drink.
"I'm telling you, Cris, we're fine." He assured her.
But she wasn't having any of it. "Can you join me in the fact-based universe? Just once? We're broke. We have to cut back!" She exclaimed.
"Cut back? On what?" He asked as he walked towards the bar while finishing his current glass.
"Step one is selling this place." Cris gestured to the mansion, god knows how much it costs.
Johnny knew that she was upset, but he didn't think she'd go this far. "I need a refill." He said as he opened a bottle and poured some liquor.
"Johnny, we can't keep this up. You spent ten thousand on that sculpture." She pointed to the Hichuli. "Thirty thousand on that drone!" She pointed to the drone on the table. "And this damned sword. Three million dollars!" She yelled at the price it cost to get Sento.
"Hey! Sento is history. That sword comes from a–"
"That's not the point, Johnny!" Cris interrupted him feeling frustrated as she walked towards the couch.
He watched her as he walked towards her. "Cris, honey. The parts, the money. They're coming. Steven's movies are just the beginning. That's why I can't cut back." He said as he touched her shoulders. "To be a success, I have to project it. If I don't… "Johnny Cage" is done." He told her.
Much to Cris's anger as she clutched the cushions on the couch and turned to him. "I didn't marry "Johnny Cage"!" She yelled as she narrowed her eyes at him. "I married John Carlton. And I'd give anything to have him back." She declared as she stormed off with her purse, better expect some divorce papers in the future Johnny.
He watched her go as he was feeling hurt. "C'mon, Cris! Where are you going?!" He watched her leave as he heard the door slam on her way out as he sighed. "Fuck!" He yelled as he took his drink and chugged it down and walked up to the bar to pour another drink. "How you like that, Mr. A-List?" He asked himself as he drank another glass but heard the front door and sighed believing it to be Cris, wishful thinking. "Thank god. Cris, honey I–" The second he turns around, he sees the former member of the Yakuza, Kenshi Takahashi, brandishing his sword. "Where's my wife?! What did you–"
"Your wife left. She's fine. You will be too, if you cooperate." Kenshi told him.
This made Johnny tense as he stayed calm. "What do you want?" He asked him.
Kenshi pointed his sword towards the one hanging over the fireplace. "Sento." He demanded.
"You some kind of hired gun? Or do you know Sento's history?" Johnny asked.
"I know it. It's my family blade." Kenshi proclaimed as he walked towards him as he and Johnny circled one another.
"No. No way you're Taira clan. They've been dead for centuries." Johnny declared.
"Not dead. Hiding. With Sento in my hands, I'll lead us out of the shadows." Kenshi told him as he gripped the current sword he had.
"That's a great plan, stranger. Except for one thing. Sento is mine. And I won't give it up without a fight." Johnny warned him as Kenshi narrowed his eyes and gripped his sword in both hands.
"You will regret that, Cage." He told him as he charged and swung the sword at him, Johnny leapt back as the blade slashed towards his belly. It almost would have disemboweled him if he hadn't leapt back as he avoided Kenshi's sword strikes to keep from getting chopped into slices of meat. He avoided a stabbing thrust by flipping backwards as Kenshi's sword pierced into the couch. He attempted to pull the sword out, till Johnny flipped the couch on top of the sword, preventing him from pulling it out as he kicked Kenshi in the face. He quickly retaliated by punching Johnny in the face and kneeing him in the chest.
He stumbled back from the impact as Kenshi pushed the couch up and pulled his sword out and slashed at his head, Johnny quickly ducked as the blade managed to trim a few hair strands. He rolled across the floor and landed at a footstool as he touched his head and looked at the strands in his hair. "Oh wow… you almost killed me!" He yelled as Kenshi charged in an attempt to finish him. Johnny quickly avoided it as he kicked the sword out of his hand as it flew across the room and landed in the kitchen.
He tackled Kenshi and slammed him to the floor as he started punching him in the face numerous times to try and knock him out. But the former Yakuza blocked his next punch as he threw him down and elbowed him in the face, hitting him against the nose as Johnny let out a painful cry from it. Kenshi went for another strike against him, only to feel Johnny grab his arm and pin him down to the floor with his arm bent behind him. He groaned painfully from it as he struggled to get out of Johnny's grip.
"You came to the wrong house, asshole!" Johnny declared as he dislocated Kenshi's arm from his shoulder, causing him to scream in pain from it as he used his free arm to elbow him in the side and get him off. He quickly got up as he held his dislocated arm as Johnny stood up laughing. "Yeah, try fighting with that arm, jackass!" He exclaimed, only to see Kenshi slam his shoulder against a wall and force his arm back into place, surprising Johnny by his determination. "Well, talk about taking lessons from Mel Gibson." He muttered.
Kenshi rolled his shoulder and glared at Johnny for it as he yelled and kicked him in the chest, possibly cracking a few ribs as he punched him in the face. The action star caught the next punch as he threw him over and slammed him against the floor as he attempted to pin him, Kenshi grabbed his wrists and threw him over as he crashed against the couch. It was a soft landing, but Kenshi roared out as he tackled him, causing the couch to fall back as the two rolled across the floor, punching each other, exchanging blow after blow as Kenshi bit his arm, causing Johnny to scream as he managed to kick him off.
"Seriously?! Biting?!" He asked as he looked towards his trophy case and quickly rushed towards it, while Kenshi grabbed his sword from the kitchen and ran towards him with it. Johnny opened the trophy case and threw a trophy at him, landing it against his face as Kenshi was stunned by it. He could barely focus as he passed out from the hit and collapsed to the floor, while Johnny exhaled and stood over him. "My house, my rules." He told him as he rubbed his arm where Kenshi bit him. "Better get this disinfected." He muttered.
Later that evening, Kenshi woke up tied to a chair as he groaned from the trophy hit to his head. "Ugh, my head…" He muttered, wishing his hands weren't bound so he could rub his head where he had a big fat bruise.
"So. You have a name or what?" Johnny asked as he sat across from him.
The former Yakuza glared at him as he kept calm. "Kenshi Takahashi." He introduced himself.
"Ha! I knew you weren't Taira clan." Johnny cheered.
"You know nothing, Cage." Kenshi argued.
The action star smirked as he took the chance to tell what he knows. "Four hundred years ago, the Taira clan were one of Japan's first families. They lost Sento after getting slaughtered at the Siege of Aomori." He explained one side of the story.
"There were survivors. They hid themselves by shedding the name Taira for Takahashi. They joined the Bakuto for its protection." Kenshi explained another side of the story that Johnny never knew about.
"The Yakuza's predecessors… From first family to crime family." Johnny added it up.
"I will break us free of the Yakuza's corruption. Reclaim our name and our position. But my clan won't follow me unless I prove that I can lead." Kenshi explained as he looked towards Sento. "That's why I need Sento." He told him till he heard the doorbell.
Johnny looked towards the door and pointed to it. "And that's Malibu's finest." He got up and started walking towards it. "It's a great story. Bullshit… but great. You should seriously consider becoming a screenwriter." He suggested as he approached the door and opened it, expecting to see the police. But what he saw was Liu Kang, Kuai Liang and Bi Han standing before him. "What in the actual fu–"
"Good evening, Johnny Cage. I am Liu Kang, Protector of Earthrealm. May we enter?" He asked him.
Johnny tried looking behind them to see the police. "Uh.. Nothing's being shot here tonight. You sure you have the right place?" He asked him.
"Yes. We come on a matter of grave importance. We must speak to you and your guest." The fire god mentioned Kenshi which caught Johnny off guard for a moment.
"What? How do you know about him?" He asked him.
Liu Kang looked at him with a serious expression. "Because I am the God of Fire." He proclaimed his title.
But Johnny found that very hard to believe as he chuckled a bit. "Cris, you vixen. Nicely done." He said to himself, believing this was Cris's idea of an elaborate prank as he looked up to Liu Kang. "Sure. Come right in." He gestured to them to walk in as they stepped inside. "Glowing eyes are a nice touch." He complimented Liu Kang as Bi Han walked past him with Kuai.
While the fire god approached Kenshi. "Kenshi Takahashi. A tragic figure with a noble cause. Your actions this evening do you no credit." He scolded him as Kenshi looked towards Johnny.
"Who are these people?" He asked him.
"You tell me. They're your scene partners." He replied.
"I also know of your struggles, Johnny Cage." Liu Kang informed him as he looked towards him. "I am here to offer you both a path forward." He told him.
"Dun, dun, duuuun." Johnny said dramatically as he chuckled. "C'mon guys. Let's call this. Cris was a doll to set this up, but… As pranks go this one's… eh… a bit obvious." He told them as he still didn't believe this was real.
"This is no prank." Liu Kang assured him, knowing he was still finding it hard to believe. "Bi Han, Kuai Liang. If you please?" He asked as Bi Han approached Kenshi and started untying him.
While Johnny approached them, chuckling as he attempted to humor them. "All right, all right." He laughed. "I'll play my part in this martial arts LARP. The missus ought to get what she paid for." He said as he exhaled and cleared his throat. "Ok. Ahem… aahh… Hey you- Wait, wait…" He paused to get it right. "Hey you!" He called to Bi Han who merely glanced at him. "Get your damn hands off him." He sees him ignore him. "I said… Get your hands off—" He grabbed Bi Han only to get suckerpunched and beat to a pummel as Bi Han kicked him towards the Hichuli as slide across the floor and hit the stand, causing the Hichuli to crash on top of him as he groaned in pain from it.
Kuai stepped up as he glanced to Bi Han. "Was that necessary, brother?" He asked him.
"To put him in his place." Bi Han replied while Johnny sat up and looked at the broken Hichuli.
He glared at Bi Han in disbelief of what he caused. "That was a Hichuli! One of a kind!" He got up as he got the broken fragments out of his hair and walked towards him. "All right, I don't care if this is a damned prank. You crossed the line!" He yelled as he went to hit him, but Bi Han grabbed his fist as he attempted to freeze it. Till out of nowhere, Litra flew in and kicked Bi Han in the face, knocking him away from Johnny as she landed on her feet gracefully.
Johnny was literally stunned by what he was seeing, unable to believe what he was staring at. A beautiful woman with wings? One can definitely view her as an angel sent from Heaven. "You can put your eyes back in your head, Cage." She told him as she glanced back seeing Kuai Liang attempting to strike her. She swung a high kick and redirected his punch as she landed a few hits against him as she saw him go for an overhead strike. She used her wing to block it as she swung her long tail feathers to distract him as she landed a kick against his side.
Bi Han charged at Johnny as he attempted to punch him, the action star blocked his attack as he avoided a few punches and exchanged his own strikes, landing them against his torso as he elbowed his stomach and flipped backwards as he landed two kicks across the ice ninja's head. Bi Han let out a grunt as he glared and formed a ball of ice and shot it at him, causing Johnny to dodge to his left as the ice smashed against the wall. He quickly grabbed a chair and used it to block another ice ball that Bi Han threw at him.
He quickly dropped the chair before his hands to freeze up with it, he watched as Bi Han attempted to hit him. Causing Johnny to use his forearms to block his punches as he caught his next punch and pulled him down into a knee strike and forced him back as Bi Han groaned from the knee strike. Johnny yelled as he kicked Bi Han a few times in the torso and elbowed him hard in the face.
Meanwhile, Litra was gracefully avoiding Kuai's attacks as she avoided his rope spear as he swung it at her. She leapt over the next strike as she gracefully spun through the air and landed on the floor and smiled at him, impressing him with her skills. "You fight well, for a winged warrior." He complimented her on her skills.
"Flattery won't get you anywhere, ninja." She told him as she dodged another strike from him and grabbed his rope spear. She pulled him close as she landed a double kick against his chest and struck him away with her wings. Kuai yelled from it and crashed against a table as she smirked at him. "Not quite what I expected from the great Scorpion." She told him as she watched him get back up.
He rubbed his face and looked at her. "There's more to this scorpion's sting than you realize." he teleported through fire and appeared behind her, attempting to strike her with his kusarigama. She turned sharp and avoided it as she blocked his attacks with her strong wings and flapped them hard to create a gust of wind, pushing him back as Kuai shielded himself from it. He knew he was out of his league with her, just like Gomora.
Meanwhile, Bi Han formed a pair of ice daggers and slashed at Johnny. Making Johnny quickly parry his attacks to avoid getting stabbed or slashed by the ice ninja. He knocked one of his ice daggers out of his hand as he caught his other arm and elbowed his chest. He swung his leg around, raising it up as he brought it down like an axe chop and kicked him down. Bi Han hit the floor as he felt the impact from the kick as he let out a grunt, while Johnny kicked him in the side, forcing him to slide across the floor.
He let out a groan as he tried to get out, only to see Kuai land beside him as Litra threw him towards him. Johnny stepped up and held his fists up. "And scene. I hope you're insured because you're paying for my Hichuli." He told them as the two ninjas stood up.
"Imbecile! You have no idea with whom you're dealing!" Bi Han yelled angrily as he wanted to finish what he started.
"ENOUGH!" Liu Kang yelled as fire combusted around him, causing the fire alarm to wail.
Johnny and the others shielded himself from the intense heat as he looked at him surprised. "Uh… That's no special effect." He said feeling dumbfounded.
"Indeed, Johnny Cage." The fire god replied as he looked at the action star, who was completely at a loss for words as Liu Kang looked towards the fire ninja. "Kuai Liang?" He gestured to Kenshi as Kuai bowed to him and walked to help Kenshi get unbound, while Liu Kang looked towards Litra and approached her. "Thank you for coming, Litra." He expressed his gratitude.
"I did as you asked. I kept an eye on Mister Cage, and he certainly held his own against the Lin Kuei." She said as she mocked the grandmaster.
Who at this moment was glaring as he looked towards Liu Kang. "You knew she'd be here?" He asked him.
"To protect Johnny Cage." He informed the grandmaster of her role.
"Okay, let's go back to one here. Who are you again?" Johnny asked them.
"Lord Liu Kang. Protector of Earthrealm. God of Fire." He reintroduced himself as he gestures to Litra. "This is Litra. You could say she is your guardian angel, of sorts." He informed him as Litra nodded to Johnny.
"Well that's an obvious fact about her. As for you? Well, that last one tracks. But… what's an Earthrealm?" He asked him.
"All will be explained, Johnny Cage. For now, what is important is that you both have been chosen to join its champions." Liu Kang informed him and Kenshi as he was freed with the help of Kuai Liang.
Which of course confused Johnny as he pointed at Kenshi. "Why him? Or me for that matter?" He asked curiously.
"Because I have faith that you will rise to the challenge. And because your service will change the arcs of your lives." The fire god explained as Johnny looked towards Litra and Kenshi who looked towards him in return. "Come, it is time to begin your tutelage at the Wu Shi Academy." He told them as he formed a fiery portal before them. Johnny was reluctant, but Litra kicked him into the portal to put in a little bit of slapstick as she chuckled in amusement.
She watched Kenshi step in willingly as she looked towards Bi Han. "You best head on home and lick your wounds, grandmaster." She mocked him as he only became infuriated, Kuai Liang stopped him from doing anything brash as Litra looked towards Liu Kang. "That's all of them?" She asked.
"Yes, Raiden and Kung Lao are already at the Wu Shi Academy. I'm sure you will get along with Raiden quite well. But Kung Lao?" He shrugged his shoulders.
"What I don't understand is why you don't let us attend the tournament." Bi Han expressed his grievance.
"Because it would be an unfair advantage, Bi Han. You would lay waste to all those who would face you. A tournament must be fought honorably." Liu Kang explained as Bi Han scowled at him. "Now, return to the Lin Kuei Temple… I will call upon you when needed." He told them.
Kuai Liang bowed to him respectably. "Yes, Lord Liu Kang." He responded as Bi Han reluctantly bowed as well, while Liu Kang and Litra stepped into the portal.
Upon reaching the other side of the portal, they arrived in the academy only to see Gomora holding Johnny upside down with his tail wrapped around his ankle as he panicked. "OKAY! OKAY I'M SORRY! That gecko crack was out of line!" He cried out as he tried to apologize.
"Then maybe you should have kept your mouth shut, runt." He told him.
Liu Kang let out a sigh upon seeing it. "Gomora, put him down." He ordered.
"The easy way? Or the hard way?" He asked him as he growled at Johnny.
"You know which way I meant." Liu Kang told him as Gomora let out a sigh and dropped Johnny on his head, causing the other champions to chuckle in amusement as the fire god stepped up to them. "Welcome, everyone. To the Wu Shi Academy. I understand some of you have been wondering why you were brought here, and why you have been chosen. All your questions will be answered here, during your training here." He informed him.
"That literally leaves one question I need to ask… what's with the guy with horns and the feathered beauty? Are they some kind of mythical creatures or something?" Johnny asked him.
"Gomora and Litra are Earthrealm's Guardian Monsters. Once born as powerful creatures that could tear down a city, now great warriors that protect Earthrealm." Liu Kang explained as he looked towards Gomora. "Gomora trained here at the Wu Shi for years, practicing all the various martial arts, learning control over his strength and anger. While Litra…" He gestured to her. "She has been my eyes and ears, overlooking Earthrealm to watch over the champions I have chosen." He told them.
"That explains their unique characteristics." Raiden complimented their appearances.
"They still freak me out." Kung Lao stated as he earned a smack to the head by Gomora's tail, causing him to yelp.
"I may be freakish to most humans, but I still have good ears!" Gomora yelled at him as he pointed at his ears.
"And from this moment, you will be training alongside the guardians. To learn from them their history, their heritage. And most of all, how they harness their power." Liu Kang explained to them as he looked amongst the champions.
Each of the champions looked amongst themselves curiously as they grew curious about the guardians. "Okay, so they have power like those ninja dudes back at my house. So, how does it work? We just come up with our power on the slide or something?" Johnny asked.
"Those without power are given power, but those born with it must awaken it. That is the other reason you were brought here. To awaken and harness your power, to survive in the coming future." Liu Kang informed him and the other champions. "Now… let your training begin." He announced as Gomora smirked and cracked his tail on the ground like a bullwhip.
"Get ready, rookies. Because I'm not gonna go easy on you like the monks. I'm personally going to mold you into proper warriors." He warned them as he grinned at them, making Johnny gulp in fear, while Kenshi narrowed his eyes and Kung Lao exhaled, while Raiden nodded his head eagerly, knowing this will be a tough few months before the tournament.
(Author Notes: Hey ya'll, Leonidas1994 here. So in regards to the Mortal Kombat x Ultraman story I worked on, that was only a pilot chapter to see what everyone would think. And apparently I was not getting enough reviews, because no one would give it a chance. So I tried something different, and hopefully this will work better. I hope you guys like the voice cast I selected for some of the characters. Leave some voice suggestions for any and all Ultraman Kaiju or Seijin in the reviews.)